Stock up on toilet paper

Public washrooms (including those on trains, some tourist spots, etc.) don’t always offer toilet paper, even the ones labeled “Western Toilet” (others require you to squat). So bring toilet paper (and wet wipes) with you. Some outfitters sell handy mini-rolls that can fit in your day pack. Oh, and power outages are common throughout India -- carry a mini flashlight. Tales of how you were caught in the dark with your pants down in Varkala with no bum wad aren’t the stuff of Facebook postings if your girlfriend’s mom is a “friend.”